Gas Removal or Electrification

Step 1.Rules and Requirements

• Suspending a natural gas account is free upon request by property owner. For safety reasons the meter will be sealed and locked in the “off” position.
• If the gas account has been suspended for more than 180 days, it is the owner’s responsibility to test the house piping prior to re-establishment of gas service. All costs associated with building permits and inspection and testing of piping by a qualified contractor will be at the owner’s expense.

• Re-establishment of natural gas service at the premise will follow the procedures for creating a new connection.

  • New Connections or Upgrades
• Make sure the meter is accessible. Keep it free from shrubbery or debris. If the meter is behind a gate, make sure that keys or gate codes are up to date.

If you have further questions, please contact Customer Service:

(650) 329-2161

Step 2.Find a Notary

Application requires notarization before submission. All Notary costs are at the owner's expense. Purpose of Notarization:

• Ensures written identification from the owner of the building.
• Identifies financially responsible party for future reinstatement of natural gas service.

Step 3.Apply for Natural Gas Suspension

• Complete the customer application form.
  • Natural Gas Suspension Form(PDF, 266KB)
• Return and submit application to Utilities Customer Service by mail or email:

Utilities Customer Service, 2nd Floor
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94303

Email: UtilitiesCustomerService@cityofpaloalto.org

Step 4.What to Expect After Applying

• After submission, Customer Service will acknowledge application completion within 2-3 business days by email. 
• After acknowledging completion, Customer Service will create a work order and send it to the Gas Meter Technician(s).
• The Gas Meter Technician(s) will be on site to seal the meter and lock it on the "off" position.
• Overall, completion time will be anywhere between 2-10 business days.
• It may take 1-2 billing cycles to see that gas services has been removed from your statements. 

Step 1.What you need to know

• Requesting to remove gas completely is free upon request.
• Before digging, locate and mark utility lines.
• To mark gas line locations, contact USA North, 811 or 800-642-2444.
• Make sure the meter is accessible. Please notify Customer Service if there is a gate code or key required for entry.
• If you wish to apply to remove the gas lines, this will require digging on your property which may interrupt landscaping. 

If the purpose of gas meter removal is to go all electric, visit our Electrification page to learn more about benefits of an all-electric lifestyle:

• Electrification

If you are wondering if removing the gas meter is right for you, review your utility account with Customer Service:

(650) 329-2161

Step 2.Apply for Gas Meter and Connection Removal

• Fill out the online demolition form:
  Gas Removal for Electrification   

Step 3.What to Expect After Applying

• After submission, Customer Service will acknowledge application completion within 2-3 business days by email. 
• After acknowledging completion, Customer Service will create a work order and send it to the Gas Meter Technician(s).
• The Gas Meter Technician(s) will be on site to turn off and remove the gas meter and or service line within 3-5 working days.
• Overall, completion time will be anywhere between 2-10 business days.
• It may take 1-2 billing cycles to see that gas services has been removed from your statements.